Law is one of the most competitive professions to get into, so it helps to have the right qualifications and work experience under your belt when you’re looking for your first job.
In January and February many students decide on their A-level subjects. For students considering a career in law, it can be confusing to know what to study.
And if you’re a university student considering a legal career, you might also need some advice about how to get the all-important work experience needed to kick-start your career.
So, whether you’re an aspiring barrister, a wannabe solicitor, or you’re just thinking about a possible law career after watching Suits, a panel of experts will be on hand to answer your questions. We’ll cover what you need on your CV to enter the world of legal work.
Some of the things we’ll cover include:
- Advice for sixth formers: which A-level subjects are the most useful and impressive to graduate recruiters in the legal profession? How important are your A-level grades?
- Degree subject choices: how important is it to have a degree in law? What are the alternatives? And how do you decide which route into law is best for you?
- Work experience: how important is it? What should you be applying for, and when? And how can you increase your chances of getting it?
Joining us on the panel will be:
Dr Gleider Hernández, a senior lecturer in public international law, deputy director of the Global Policy Institute at Durham University and director of undergraduate admissions at the university’s law school.
Richard Hodgson, a banking and graduate recruitment partner at Linklaters.
Tom Hingley, a trainee solicitor at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
Rebecca Loveridge, a junior barrister called in 2011 at Fountain Court Chambers, specialising in domestic and international commercial disputes.
Stuart Cribb, a junior barrister called in 2013 at Essex Court Chambers, specialising in international commercial litigation and arbitration.
Tina Schaeffer, a qualified solicitor who currently teaches AS- and A-level law at Woodhouse College, a sixth-form college in north London.
Anne Petrie, manager of the careers team at The University of Law, which has experience of the legal recruitment market and offers advice to students seeking careers in the legal sector.
The Q&A will take place in the comments section below this article. If you can’t join us on the day, add your questions now for our panel to answer when they join. Alternatively, you can tweet us on @gdnstudents or email your questions to natalie.gil.casual@theguardian.com.
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